MANHATTAN BARS

The Shark Bar Restaurant
This small neighborhood bar at the front of a white-tablecloth soul-food restaurant has been drawing crowds of Caribbean transplants for 18 years. That’s because owner Lisa Cash, who started out as a hostess, knows how to balance upscale ambience with down-home service. Strong specialty cocktails include a subtle banana margarita and a rum punch, just like they make ’em on the islands. 307 Amsterdam Ave between 74th and 75th Sts (212-874-8500)

Shrine
Go to Shrine if for no other reason than to order a Muslim Jew, a cocktail of vodka, Baileys, and chocolate and coffee liqueurs. But really, the bar’s rep as a music venue provides incentive enough; bands often play jazz or blues, with some gospel and reggae thrown in for good measure. Happy hour comes seven days a week, and lasts four hours: Just the way we like it. 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) between 133rd and 134th Sts (212 690 7807, shrinenyc.com)

Wine and Roses
Parents in town? Let a visit to this upscale vino bar prove what a sophisticate you’ve become since college. The place serves dozens of reds and whites by the glass, all from boutique wineries, and the list changes every few weeks. Laid out to encourage cross-pollination of groups, the nook seats just 35 inside and fills up fast—but doesn’t accept reservations. However, owner Jennifer Klein has been known to let a “really sweet” e-mail (jen@wrbar.com) persuade her otherwise. 286 Columbus Ave between 73rd and 74th Sts (212-579-9463)

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They need a drink!
From Cosmo girls to finance guys, these recent victims of cutbacks share their picks for where to buy yourself (or them) a cocktail (or two).